Comparison of percutaneous and surgical placement of central venous catheters in neonates.

A comparison of randomized placement of percutaneous and surgical central venous catheters was made in 53 low birthweight infants. Twenty-eight infants received percutaneous central venous lines, and 21 infants underwent surgical placement of catheters. The incidence of complications did not differ between the groups. The mean length of time the catheter was in place also was similar. Percutaneous placement of central venous catheters appears to compare favorably with the traditional surgical approach.